Book Reviews: Suzie Bitner Was Afraid of the Drain by Barbara R. Vance

A Very Special Moonbeam Award Winner

I saw "Suzie Bitner Was Afraid of the Drain" on the list of Moonbeam Award winners and decided to take a closer look. It is, indeed, very special. Alongside the funny poems, about things like a sister who turns into a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich, are rhymes that emphasize important traits like patience and hard work. Children aren't hit over the head with issues about "how to be good"; instead, the lessons come naturally and in ways kids can understand. ("Patience is waiting for dinner to end so you can start eating ice cream...") And I love the poems that deal with grandpas and grandmas -- they're really quite touching. If you're looking for a book that is fun, and that reinforces important values without being overwhelming, look no further.

Recipient of an Indie Book Award!

The author of this little gem received a Next Generation Indie Book Award for penning this. It was certainly well-deserved! An absolute delight!

The Cutest New Poetry Book Ever!

I adore this! Finally a new author who comes out with a book that rivals the Shel Silverstein books of my generation. This is sweet, smart, and laugh-out-loud funny. I think I enjoy it as much as my kids (I read it after I've told them 'No more -- time for bed"). Really wonderful!

Wholeheartedly Recommended!

"Suzie Bitner" is so much fun - my kids (and I) really love it! The tone of the book is wonderful -- very uplifting -- and the subject matter is such that my children really relate to the poems. The story about the Sandwich Sister is one that's absolutely hysterical; many of the other verses deal with things kids encounter on a regular basis. There's a lot of truth to the stories; I, too, had to share a room with a sibling and got scared climbing trees. The drawings, though simple, add so much -- an untied shoelace, a look of surprise, a Tooth Fairy with attitude -- they're outstanding!

We have a great time reading (and re-reading) this book. I wholeheartedly recommmend it!

A Treasure!

"Suzie Bitner Was Afraid of the Drain" has become my kids' all-time favorite poetry book! It strikes a chord by addressing issues that children relate to, and does so in a unique and wholesome way. It is clearly a book that kids can grow with -- some poems will appeal to younger children; others will be best appreciated by those a little older.

I am impressed with (and grateful for) the way the author intersperses some more-challenging words throughout, encouraging readers to "look them up" and expanding their vocabularies. And I love the illustrations! The simple black-and-white drawings perfectly complement the verses without overpowering them. "Suzie" will delight children, parents, and grandparents. It is a treasure -- not to be missed!